The Gamified Classroom: Passport to Innovation

Boost Engagement & Retention: The Psychology of Gamification

Level up your teaching! This episode of the Gamified Classroom features a fascinating conversation between host Lisa Cherivtch and psychology professor Tony Surdo exploring the psychology of gamification. They unpack the benefits and challenges of using game elements in education, offering insights into engaging students through both competition and collaboration.
Tune in for key takeaways on fostering novelty, understanding diverse student needs (including gender preferences for learning styles), and practical strategies to enhance learning retention and classroom engagement. Learn how to start small and use gamification thoughtfully to truly empower your students.

SuperBetter: Leveling Up Your Mental Wellness Through Gamification

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of SuperBetter, an app that leverages the psychology of gameplay to enhance mental health and resilience.
Join us as we speak with Keith Wakeman, CEO of SuperBetter, about how this unique platform is helping individuals navigate life's challenges by transforming them into engaging quests. We explore the science behind "gameful living," the impact of positive reinforcement, and how SuperBetter empowers users to build stronger mental and emotional well-being.
Key Talking Points:
Introduction to SuperBetter:
What is SuperBetter and its core mission?
The origins of SuperBetter, and the work of Jane McGonigal.
The concept of "gameful living" and its application to real-life challenges.
The Psychology of Gamification:
How SuperBetter utilizes game mechanics to improve mental health.
The role of positive reinforcement, goal setting, and progress tracking.
How the app helps users build resilience and coping mechanisms.
SuperBetter's Features and Benefits:
Overview of key features: quests, power-ups, bad guys, and allies.
How users can customize their experience to address specific mental health needs.
The app's impact on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
The Science Behind SuperBetter:
Discussion of the research and studies supporting SuperBetter's effectiveness.
How the app incorporates principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology.
The importance of community and social support in mental wellness.
Real-World Applications:
Examples of how individuals are using SuperBetter to overcome challenges.

Code to Classroom: Xavier Moretti's Gamified Journey

In this episode of The Gamified Classroom, we explore the exciting intersection of technology and education with Xavier Moretti, the visionary behind Teach with Koala. Xavier's journey is fascinating, transitioning from a tech-driven career at Apple to pioneering an innovative edtech platform revolutionizing online learning.
We explore how Xavier and his team leverage gamification to create engaging and immersive educational experiences. Discover how Teach with Koala transforms virtual classrooms, making learning fun and effective for students of all ages. Xavier shares insights into:
His unique career path from Apple to edtech entrepreneur.
The core principles behind Teach with Koala's gamified approach.
How they are addressing the needs of modern-day students.
The future of gamified learning and its potential to reshape education.
Join us as we uncover the story behind this groundbreaking edtech company and learn how you can bring the power of gamification into your classroom."

Building Businesses, Building Community: Inside Innovation DuPage

In this episode of the Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Cherivtch interviews Dan Facchini, Managing Director of Innovation DuPage, a business incubator and accelerator. They discuss the importance of fun in learning, the role of Innovation DuPage in supporting entrepreneurs, and how it differentiates itself from traditional business development centers. The conversation highlights the significance of community collaboration, academic partnerships, and the impact of experiential learning on students and aspiring entrepreneurs. Dan shares success stories from Innovation DuPage and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and resources for those looking to start their own businesses.

What Happens When a Finance Pro Designs Games? Educational Potential Unleashed.

In this episode of The Gamified Classroom, I speak with game designer Joe Barron about the untapped potential of games in education. We discuss how his games, while not explicitly designed for the classroom, can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone to engage students- Paula Jenkins

Transforming Math Anxiety into Joy with Federico Chialvo

Welcome to The Gamified Classroom, where we dive into the innovative world of gamification in education. In this episode, join our host, Lisa Chervich, as she engages with Federico Chialvo, the visionary behind Joyful Mathematics. Discover how Federico's journey of personal challenges and inspirations led to the creation of games designed to make learning math an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Federico shares his background as an immigrant from Argentina struggling with dyslexia and ADHD, and how games like 'Number Munchers' sparked his enduring passion for mathematics. Learn about his creative process in developing educational games that aim to change the way people perceive and learn mathematics, focusing on creating joyful and memorable learning experiences.
Explore the story behind his flagship product 'Multi', a game that turns the anxiety of learning multiplication into a fun challenge, and how he successfully launched it with a Kickstarter campaign. Federico also discusses the balancing act of running Joyful Mathematics alongside a bustling family life, and his strategies to grow the business amidst various hurdles.
This episode offers insights into the transformative power of play in education and emphasizes the importance of creating engaging educational tools to foster a positive learning environment. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this conversation might shift your perspective on mathematics education.

"Unlocking AI in Education: Engaging Minds with Andrew Davies"

Welcome to The Gamified Classroom, where host Lisa Chervich explores the world of gamification in education with guest Andrew Davies. In this episode, they delve into the innovative use of AI to enhance student engagement, drawing insights from Andrew's keynote presentation at the Teach, Play, Learn conference. Andrew shares his transformative journey of using AI tools to create captivating videos and quests that turn typical lessons into engaging stories.Andrew elaborates on his method of teaching typography through a narrative framework, likening classes to video games to captivate students' attention. From employing ChatGPT to generate scripts to using AI-generated voices akin to Morgan Freeman's, Andrew shares how AI has significantly reduced the time taken to prepare educational materials while boosting creativity and student interaction. Lisa and Andrew discuss the effectiveness of playful pedagogy in maintaining student interest and enhancing learning outcomes.Discover how reimagining teaching with story-driven quests and multimedia tools can create a dynamic and inclusive learning experience for students of all backgrounds.

Reviving Education: The Power of Old-School Engagement

In this episode of the Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Chervich explores the transformative impact of traditional hands-on activities to boost student engagement. Dive into the world of gamification as Lisa shares her experiences from a retail simulation game, where students design their own retail spaces with just construction paper and creativity, demonstrating the power of simplicity in learning.Lisa also introduces the fun and effective game "A Few Truths and a Lie" used to enhance persuasion skills, highlighting how straightforward activities can enrich classroom dynamics. Tune in to discover how these timeless teaching methods can foster collaboration, creativity, and student enthusiasm, making learning both enjoyable and impactful.

Unlocking Engagement: Gamification in the Classroom

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Gamification Podcast. Today, host Lisa is joined by Charles Stewart, a language arts teacher who has pioneered the use of games in his classroom to captivate and engage his young students.In this episode, Charles discusses his journey into gamification, sharing insights from nearly a decade of experience in transforming traditional lessons into interactive and engaging experiences. He provides examples of how he uses games like a werewolf-inspired activity for "To Kill a Mockingbird" and even integrates Dungeons & Dragons into teaching creative writing.Charles also delves into the challenges and successes of gamifying education, addressing concerns from parents and colleagues, and emphasizing the importance of balancing traditional learning methods with innovative game-based techniques.The conversation further explores the role of AI in enhancing educational games and the process behind creating his own game, "Conversely," designed to stimulate meaningful conversations. Charles and Lisa discuss the potential for games to foster teamwork, communication, and creative thinking in both educational and professional settings.Join us as we explore how gamification can revolutionize the classroom, making learning more engaging and effective for students of all ages.